New Jersey native Niko Gkionis has been informed by St. Mirren of the Scottish Premier League that they will not be offering him a contract for the upcoming season.

"I'm gutted," Gkionis told Yanks Abroad. "I thought I did well in the preseason game even though I played right midfield rather than my normal position of center mid. I would have preferred to play in my strongest position to impress the manager."

The Stevens Institute Alumni is keeping a positive attitude and will pursue other options at this time.

"I always learn from experiences like this," he continued. "I knew it would be challenging since every preseason is tough. It was grueling with the fitness tests but I came in a good position in all the tests. It was good to train at a high level as well."

"The next step is to find the right club. There is some interest out in Europe but I'm just weighing all the options."

The former Metrostars Youth Academy product, although disappointed over failing to win a contract, had nothing but good things to say about the Scottish team and management.

"I appreciate the opportunity that St. Mirren gave me but it just didn't work out for this season. I felt like I left a good impression on the manager so you never know what will happen in the future."